News Update
Marine Gardens update w/ending 2, August 2020
(August 02, 2020)Please see below report for week ending 02/08/20. The photo shows a step back in time to the mid-1960s. Please note the number of deckchairs as opposed to the numerous benches which now encompass the green.
“Bowls wins at Marine Gardens”
Friday 31/07 was a scorching day and a momentous one for Marine Gardens; our first match of the COVID era. It was a friendly game in all senses, with Marine match captain Terry Urben welcoming Tarring Priory’s Keith Brinsmead and his team for three rinks of triples. Playing under Bowls England guidelines, with small additions agreed by the captains, meant separate mats and jacks being used by the respective teams. Only the home players used the pushers and scoreboards. There was no measuring, which perhaps led to some good-natured haggling about who had closest bowl!
The clubhouse was off limits; apart from toilets, so sadly the teams could not sit down together and share tea. Instead each rink took a 10 minute “comfort break” after playing 9 ends so at least players could top up their fluid levels. On rink 1 the team of Len Tebby, Shaun Coppard and skip Leon White battled hard and at 10 ends enjoyed an 11-3 advantage. However, Tarring Priory won the next end and gained control of the jack. Skip Brinsmead wisely opted to play on a fuller length and his team clawed their way back, eventually winning by 15 shots to 12.
On rink 3 Gerry Perch, Reg Perkins and skip Mike Hitchin were up against it all afternoon, the tone being set on just the third end when 8 shots were dropped. Although the Marine trio kept their heads up the die was cast, and John Fair’s team were deserving winners by 30 shots to 9 shots.
On rink 5 the Marine trio of Roy Mills, Jean Stratton and skip Terry Urben moved into an 11-2 lead after 4 ends. The visitors, under skip Ray Lister hit back steadily and after 12 ends the scores were locked on 13 shots apiece. Fortunately, the home side held their nerve and closed the game out for a win by 20 shots to 15.
Tarring Priory were good value for their overall win; by 60 shots to 41. However, it was another important step on the road to bowls normality, simply to play a visiting team. Hard-working match secretary Bob Cole: having arranged almost 80 fixtures only to cancel them in the face of the lockdown, has now organised 15 friendly matches. Opponents include Tarring Priory, Worthing, Worthing Pavilion, Goring Manor, East Preston, Maltravers and Henfield. All matches will be 3 rinks of triples and where possible opportunities will be given to new playing members.
Despite all the restrictions Marine Gardens have signed seven new players during the summer and a very warm welcome is extended to –
Paul & Sandra Baker, Brian & Pamela Williams, June Chalkley, Heather Marsella, Valerie Conway.
The club has 93 playing members but there is still room for a few more! If anyone would like a free taster session; all equipment provided, social distancing observed, please contact coach Terry Urben on 01903 700662.
Rink scores summarised below -
Rink 1 – Len Tebby, Shaun Coppard & skip Leon White – 12 shots lost to M Mendes, R Barclay & skip Keith Brinsmead 15 shots
Rink 3 – Gerry Perch, Reg Perkins & skip Mike Hitchin – 9 shots lost to S Birch, R Bland & skip John Fairs 30 shots
Rink 5 – Roy Mills, Jean Stratton & skip Terry Urben – 20 shots beat K Tester, T Hood & skip Ray Lister 15 shots
Marine Gardens 41 shots lost to Tarring Priory 60 shots”
Terry Urben, Press Officer – Marine Gardens Bowling Club.